Staff

Paul West
Executive Director

(318) 807-4024 | pwest@novanela.org

A native of Monroe, LA , Paul has a background of 20+ years in employment, training and administration. He worked with Opportunities Industrialization Center (OIC) of Ouachita Parish from 1993 to 2003. He resigned his employment with OIC to journey to Guatemala, Central, America for a four year missionary assignment. Upon his return in 2007 to the States he went to work for the Living Well Foundation as the President/CEO. In November 2008, he joined the NOVA Workforce Institute of Northeast Louisiana as the Executive Director.

Juanita G. Woods
Director of Programs and Participant Services

(318) 807-4024 | jwoods@novanela.org

Currently oversees the day to day operations of NOVA Programs and Participants Services. She has a Master in Public Administration with concentrations in both Human Resources Management and State & Local Government. Over 13 years of Human Resources Management experience in Corporate America and Community-Based Organizations. Has over 10 years experience directing employment and education programs. She joined NOVA in December 2008.

La Verne Ford
Financial Administrative Coordinator

(318) 807-4017 | accounting@novanela.org

Ms. Ford has over 20 years of success in performing accounting and finance functions as well as 7 years of management experience. She provides in-depth knowledge in various industries including entertainment, telecommunications, health, real estate, governmental and nonprofit organizations. She is a 1992 graduate of the University of Louisiana at Monroe where she earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Accounting. She also is a licensed Certified Public Accountant. LaVerne joined NOVA as the Finance/Administrative Coordinator in March 2014.

Shelia Clark-Mims
Administrative Assistant

(318) 807-4024 | smims@novanela.org

As the Administrative/Program Assistant, Ms. Mims comes to NOVA with 30 plus years in the Professional Executive Assistant arena; she brings a variety of skills to NOVA and dealing with the public. Ms. Mims has been in Monroe 17 years with several years at the Monroe Chamber of Commerce and in the Medical Office Management field. The small role she sees herself in, she believes, is helping people see that they are worth it and not alone in their struggles, a smile can go a long way to encourage…